In the wake of the cinematic triumph ‘Animal’, Rashmika Mandanna, the film’s leading lady, has offered a candid behind-the-scenes look on her emotionally charged performance opposite co-star Ranbir Kapoor. As the dust settles on its record-breaking box office success, Mandanna shares the challenging experience of delivering one of the film’s most pivotal scenes.
‘Animal’, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, presents a dark and compelling narrative centered around a complex father-son dynamic. Ranbir Kapoor delivers a powerful portrayal of a man wrought with obsession and protectiveness towards his father, played by Anil Kapoor. Threat and turmoil follow Kapoor’s character as he fiercely guards the sanctity of this filial bond.
In a role that demands depth and vulnerability, Rashmika Mandanna steps into the shoes of Geetanjali, the protagonist’s wife. In a particular scene that has become a talking point among audiences and critics alike, Mandanna’s character musters the strength to confront her husband, culminating in a resounding slap—a moment fraught with emotional gravity.
Reflecting on the process of filming that scene, Rashmika disclosed in an interview how the realism of the moment transcended performance, leaving her genuinely in tears long after the director’s cut. “The whole sequence was one take,” she explained, attributing the seamless capture to the scene’s unpredictability and dynamic movement. She further shared how director Vanga encouraged her to immerse herself fully into the mindset of her character, a direction that clearly left an indelible impression on the young actor. “I remember only this. I don’t remember anything between the action and the cut. I just can’t process it. My brain was just going blank,” Rashmika recounted in a discussion with Pinkvilla.
The intensity of the shoot lingered as Rashmika found herself unable to break from the emotional tide, even once filming had paused. Her concern for her co-star’s well-being was paramount, as she approached Kapoor, tears still streaming, to ensure he was unharmed. This moment underscores the depth of her engagement with the role and reflects the authenticity she brought to the silver screen.
Despite the emotional ordeal, Rashmika expressed a sense of jubilation and professional fulfillment. “We finished that sequence in half a day. I loved it, and at that moment I realized that this is the high of being an actor,” she shared. The rare and poignant sequence unlocked a new level of personal achievement for Mandanna—triumphant feelings mixed with surprise at her capability to bring such a complex scene to life.
‘Animal’ has catapulted to become one of the biggest milestones in Ranbir Kapoor’s illustrious career. Much of its critical and commercial success can be attributed to the gripping storytelling and the cast’s compelling performances that magnetize the audience. The film debuted on the 1st of December, 2023, to widespread acclaim, and is produced by the successful collaboration of Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar’s T-Series, Murad Khetani’s Cine1 Studios, and Pranay Reddy Vanga’s Bhadrakali Pictures.
The film’s universal themes and breathtaking portrayal have transcended linguistic barriers, leading to its release in five languages: Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. As ‘Animal’ continues to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide, Rashmika Mandanna’s transparent narration of her experience on set offers a window into the dramatic and emotive expedition that filmmaking often entails. With her performance in ‘Animal’, Rashmika not only tapped into the emotional reservoirs required for such an intense role but also established herself as an actress capable of captivating a diverse and far-reaching audience.
